Jacquard, zha kahr', JOSEPH MARIE (1752-1834), a French inventor, born in Lyons. He was the inventor of the famous machine for figured weaving, which is named after him. His parents were silk weavers, and he learned the same trade. After a long period of hardship Jacquard made his name famous by the invention of his new loom, which was publicly exhibited in 1801. He endeavored to introduce it into general use in Lyons, but was mobbed, and almost lost his life. Ultimately, however, his invention was bought by the French government, and he was able to spend the latter part of his life in comfortable independence. See WEAVING.